Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– children laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your family around the table at Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to hear these sounds can considerably diminish the festive atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing problems are temporary and can be resolved by dealing with underlying causes that are usually simple to correct or prevent. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully savor the fall season.
Tips for protecting your hearing
There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can lead to temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a long-term issue. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the problem.
A quick, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can result in short-term hearing impairment, and although prompt medical intervention may reduce the effect, it is difficult to prevent. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
The noise level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens are a much louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a threat to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights of autumn are outdoor gatherings and concerts. The weather is still beautiful, and you might find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and spread out a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you may be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts frequently reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
What’s the most effective course of action to take?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with less possible damage to your hearing. Avoid the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how tempting it may be.
Protect your ears from cold weather
It is imperative to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes stronger. Make certain that you and your family have on ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with children, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they result in irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. Not getting treatment for this issue, which might be a warning of a hidden medical condition, presents risks to your well-being.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
That annoying earwax may get on your nerves, but it serves the essential function of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Prevention is key to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You might have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Think about utilizing ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to carefully cleanse your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip your head to let them drain. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid that the blockage is too great, visit a hearing professional. They have specific instruments to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs could be to blame
A sudden decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription might be a side effect of the medication itself. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are worried about this matter, contact your doctor right away to figure out whether you should keep using your medication.
Be sure to have any decline in your hearing promptly checked out.
Contact a hearing care specialist if you are noticing hearing loss this season.